Customizable connecting posts

ABSTRACT

Arrangements relate to devices, systems, methods and/or kits relating to provide customizable connecting posts for a bed or other body supporting element. The connecting post device can include one or more post elements and an anchor element. The anchor element can facilitate engagement of the connecting post device with one or more other structures so as to hold the connecting post device in a desired location with respect to a mattress or other body support element.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/031,608, filed on Jul. 31, 2014, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

Arrangements relate in general to posts and, more particularly, to posts to which other objects are connected.

BACKGROUND

Beds are pieces of furniture upon which people sleep, relax and/or engage in sexual relations. Most beds include a mattress. Mattresses are typically manufactured in one or more sizes, including, for example, twin, full, queen and king. Bedding accessories like headboards, footboards, and bedposts are appropriately sized based on the size of the mattress. When assembled, such bedding accessories are provided in specific locations relative to the mattress. For instance, the bedposts are located proximate to the corners of the mattress.

SUMMARY

Arrangements relate to devices, systems, methods and/or kits relating to provide customizable connecting posts for a bed or other body support. In one implementation, a connecting post device can be provided. The connecting post device can include one or more post elements and an anchor element. The anchor element can be configured to facilitate engagement of the connecting post device with one or more structures so as to hold the connecting post device in a desired location with respect to a mattress or other body supporting element. The post elements can be engaged by a connecting element, such as a body restraint or a canopy. In some arrangements, the length of one or more portions of the connecting post device can be adjustable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an example of a connecting post device.

FIG. 2 is a partially exploded view of an example of a connecting post device, wherein a length of a bridging element of the connecting post device is adjustable.

FIG. 3 is an example of a connecting post system.

FIG. 4 is an example of a method of using a connecting post device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Arrangements described herein relate to connecting post devices and related systems, methods and/or kits. Detailed embodiments are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are intended only as exemplary. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the aspects herein in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting but rather to provide an understandable description of embodiments and aspects herein. Arrangements are shown in FIGS. 1-4, but the embodiments are not limited to the illustrated structure or application.

It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, where appropriate, reference numerals have been repeated among the different figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. In addition, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments described herein. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments described herein can be practiced without these specific details.

Referring to FIG. 1, an example of a connecting post device 10 is shown. The connecting post device 10 can include one or more post elements 12, an anchor element 14, and a bridging element 16. Each of these elements of the connecting post device 10 will be discussed in turn below.

The one or more post elements 12 can be elongated. The one or more post elements 12 can have any suitable cross-sectional shape. For instance, in one or more arrangements, the one or more post elements 12 can have a substantially circular cross-section shape. As used herein, the term “substantially” includes exactly the term it modifies and slight variations therefrom. Thus, the term “substantially circular” means exactly circular and slight variations therefrom.

However, it will be understood that the one or more post elements 12 are not limited to a substantially circular cross-sectional shape. Indeed, the one or more post elements 12 can be substantially rectangular, substantially triangular, substantially oval, substantially parallelogram, substantially polygonal, substantially trapezoidal shape, just to name a few possibilities. In some instances, the one or more post elements 12 can have an irregular cross-sectional shape.

In one or more arrangements, the one or more post elements 12 can be substantially straight along their entire length. In one or more arrangements, the one or more post elements 12 can be non-straight in one or more regions or across their entire length. As an example, the one or more post elements 12 can be curved across their entire length. As another example, the one or more post elements can include one or more steps, angles, bends, turns, waves, and/or twists.

The one or more post elements 12 can have any suitable cross-sectional size. In one or more arrangements, the one or more post elements 12 can have a substantially constant cross-sectional size. Alternatively, the one or more post elements 12 can have a cross-sectional size that varies along at least a portion of their length.

In one or more arrangements, the one or more post elements 12 can be substantially vertical when oriented in an intended operational position. However, in other arrangements, the one or more post elements 12 can be at any suitable non-vertical orientation when arranged in an intended operational position.

The one or more post elements 12 can have any suitable length Lp. In one or more arrangements, the length Lp of the one or more post elements 12 can be fixed. For instance, the length Lp of the one or more post elements 12 can be from about 1 foot to about 3 feet. In one arrangement, the length Lp of the one or more post elements 12 can be about 2 feet.

In one or more arrangements, the length Lp of the one or more post elements 12 can be adjustable. The length Lp of the one or more post elements 12 can be adjustable in any suitable manner. For instance, the one or more post elements 12 can include a plurality of post element segments (not shown) that are configured and/or arranged to permit telescopic movement or other relative of the post element segments so as to adjust the length Lp of the one or more post elements 12.

When a desired length Lp it achieved, the position of the plurality of post element segments can be selectively locked in any suitable manner to maintain the desired length Lp. Such locking can be achieved in any suitable manner. In one or more arrangements, one or more locking elements (not shown) can be used to lock the plurality of post element segments relative to each other. For instance, any suitable locking element can be used. For instance, the locking element can be a screw, pin, or other element that can engage two or more of the post element segments. In one or more arrangements, each of the post element segments can include one or more openings. The locking element can be inserted through aligned openings of two or more of the post element segments. In one or more arrangements, one of the post element segments can include one or more openings, and another one of the post element segments can include a detent element (e.g. a button, a pin, a catch, etc.). The detent element can selectively engage a respective one of the openings. The detent element can be configured to hold one post element segment in relation to another post element segment until released by force applied to one of the post element segments and/or the detent element.

When configured to be adjustable, the length Lp of the one or more post elements 12 can have any suitable range of adjustment. For instance, the length Lp of the one or more post elements 12 can be adjusted in a range from about ½ foot to about 3 feet. More particularly, the length of the one or more post elements 12 can be adjusted in a range from about 1 foot to about 2 feet.

The one or more post elements 12 can be hollow. Alternatively, at least a portion of the one or more post elements 12 can be non-hollow.

The one or more post elements 12 can be made of any suitable material. For instance, the one or more post elements 12 can be made of any suitable metal, plastic and/or wood.

The one or more post elements 12 can be configured to retain another object thereon by preventing or impeding the object from separating therefrom. For instance, the one or more post elements 12 can be configured to retain another object thereon by preventing or impeding the object from sliding off or otherwise coming off a distal end 18 of the post element 12. The term “distal” in this context is used relative to the bridging element 16 and/or to the anchor element 14. Any suitable object may be attached to the post element 12.

Retaining an object to the one or more post elements 12 can be achieved in any suitable manner. For instance, the connecting post device 10 can include a retainer element 20. The retainer element 20 can be operatively connected to the distal end 18 of a respective one of the post elements 12. As used herein, the term “operatively connected” can include direct or indirect connections, including connections without direct physical contact. The retainer element 20 can be any suitable structure. In one or more arrangements, the retainer element 20 can be formed together with the post element 12 as a unitary structure. In one or more arrangements, the retainer element 20 can be formed separately from the post element 12 and subsequently attached thereto in any suitable manner, such as by one or more forms of welding, one or more forms brazing, one or more fasteners, one or more adhesives, and/or one or more forms of mechanical engagement, just to name a few possibilities. The attachment between the retainer element 20 and the post element 12 may be permanent in nature.

Alternatively, the connecting post device 10 can be configured to allow for the selective attachment and detachment of the retainer element 20 to the post element 12. In one or more arrangements, the retainer element 20 can be a cap configured to be fitted to at least a portion of the distal end 18 of a respective one of the post elements 12. In one or more arrangements, the retainer element 20 can include a protrusion that engages a hole in the post element 12. In some instances, the protrusion and/or the hole can be configured for threaded engagement. In one or more arrangements, the retainer element 20 can include a hole which engages a protrusion on the post element 12. In some instances, the protrusion and/or the hole can be configured for threaded engagement.

The retainer element 20 can be sized so as to be larger than the cross-sectional size of the post element 12. For instance, when the cross-sectional shape of the post element 12 is substantially circular, the retainer element 20 can be larger than the associated diameter of the post element 12 in one or more areas. However, it will be understood that the retainer element 20 and/or the one or more post elements 12 are not limited to having a substantially circular cross-sectional shape. In some instances, the retainer element 20 can include one or more loops 23 or protrusions (FIG. 2). Such loops or protrusions can create an irregular shape, which can further assist in retaining an object on the respective post element 12.

The retainer element 20 can be decorative. For instance, the retainer element 20 can be shaped or configured with respect to a particular theme or to represent a thing. For instance, the retainer element 20 can be shaped like a flower, an animal, a portion of a human body, an object, just to name a few possibilities.

The connecting post device 10 can include any suitable quantity of post elements 12. In one or more arrangements, there can be a single post element 12. In one or more other arrangements, there can be two post elements 12. Still further, in one or more arrangements, there can be more than two post elements 12. In arrangements in which there is a plurality of post elements 12, the post elements 12 can be substantially parallel to each other. Alternatively, one or more of the post elements 12 can be non-parallel to the other post elements 12. The plurality of post elements 12 can be substantially aligned with each other in a row along the bridging element 16. Alternatively, one or more of the post elements 12 can be offset from the other post elements 12.

When the connecting post device 10 includes a plurality of post elements 12, the post elements 12 can be substantially identical to each other. Alternatively, at least one of the post elements 12 can be different from the other post elements in one or more respects, including any of those described herein.

As noted above, the connecting post device 10 can include a bridging element 16 that connects between the one or more post elements 12 and the anchor element 14. The one or more post elements 12 and the anchor element 14 can extend from the bridging element 16 at any suitable angle. For instance, at least one of the one or more post elements 12 can extend from the bridging element 16 at about 90 degrees. Further, the anchor element 14 can extend at about 90 degrees from the bridging element 16.

The bridging element 16 can have any suitable cross-sectional shape. For instance, in one or more arrangements, the bridging element 16 can have a substantially circular cross-section shape. However, it will be understood that the bridging element 16 is not limited to this cross-sectional shape. Indeed, the bridging element 16 can have a substantially rectangular, substantially triangular, substantially oval, substantially parallelogram, substantially polygonal, substantially trapezoidal cross-sectional shape, just to name a few possibilities. In some instances, the bridging element 16 can have an irregular cross-sectional shape.

The bridging element 16 can have an associated length Lb. In one or more arrangements, the bridging element 16 can be substantially straight along its entire length Lb. Alternatively, in one or more arrangements, the bridging element 16 can be non-straight in one or more regions along its length Lb or across along its entire length Lb. As an example, the bridging element 16 can be curved along its entire length Lb or along at least a portion of its length Lp.

In one or more arrangements, the bridging element 16 can have any suitable cross-sectional size. In one or more arrangement, the bridging element 16 can have a substantially constant cross-sectional size. Alternatively, the bridging element 16 can have a cross-sectional size that varies along at least a portion of its length Lb.

In one or more arrangements, the bridging element 16 can be substantially horizontal when oriented in an intended operational position. However, in other arrangements, the bridging element 16 can be at any suitable non-horizontal orientation when arranged in an intended operational position.

The bridging element 16 can have any suitable length Lb. In one or more arrangements, the length Lb of the bridging element 16 can be fixed. For instance, the length Lb can be about 1 foot, about 1.5 feet, 2 feet, or 2.5 feet. In one or more arrangements, the length Lb of the bridging element 16 can be adjustable. When configured to be adjustable, the length Lb of the bridging element 16 can have any suitable range of adjustment. For instance, the length Lb of the bridging element 16 can be adjusted in a range from about ½ foot to about 3 feet. More particularly, the length of the bridging element 16 can be adjusted in a range from about 1 foot to about 2 feet.

The bridging element 16 can be configured in any suitable manner to permit its length Lb to be adjustable. As an example, the bridging element 16 can be made of a plurality of bridging segments 16′. The plurality of bridging segments 16′ can be configured and/or arranged to permit telescopic manner or other relative movement of the plurality of bridging segments 16′. FIG. 2 shows an example in which the connecting post device 10 includes two bridging segments 16′. One of the bridging segments 16′ can be configured to be received at least partially inside of the other bridging segment 16′. However, it will be understood that arrangements are not limited to there being two bridging segments 16′. Indeed, in one or more arrangements, there can be more than two bridging segments 16′.

The connecting post device 10 can be configured to allow the plurality of bridging segments 16′ to be locked with respect to each other once a desired length Lb is achieved. Such locking can be achieved in any suitable manner. In one or more arrangements, one or more locking elements 22 can be used to lock the plurality of bridging segments 16′ relative to each other.

Any suitable locking element 22 can be used. For instance, the locking element 22 can be a screw, pin 24, or other element that can engage two or more of the bridging segments 16′. In one or more arrangements, each of the bridging segments 16′ can include one or more openings 26. The locking element 22 can be inserted through aligned openings 26 of two or more of the bridging segments 16′. In one or more arrangements, one of the bridging segments can include one or more openings, and another one of the bridging segments can include a detent element (e.g. a button, a pin, a catch, etc.). The detent element can selectively engage a respective one of the openings. The detent element can be configured to hold one bridging segment in relation to another bridging segment until released by force applied to one of the bridging segments and/or the detent element.

As noted above, the connecting post device 10 can include an anchor element 14. The anchor element 14 can branch from the bridging element 16 in any suitable manner. In one or more arrangements, the anchor element 14 can branch from an opposite side of the bridging element 16 from the one or more posts 12, as is shown in FIG. 1.

In one or more arrangements, the anchor element 14 can be formed with the bridging element 16 as a unitary structure. Alternatively, the anchor element 14 can be formed separately from the bridging element 16 and subsequently attached thereto in any suitable manner, such as by one or more forms of welding, one or more forms brazing, one or more fasteners, one or more adhesives, and/or one or more forms of mechanical engagement, just to name a few possibilities. The attaching may be permanent in nature, or the attaching may permit selective attachment and detachment of the anchor element 14 from the bridging element 16.

The anchor element 14 can be adapted, designed, and/or configured to engage a mattress and/or one or more other elements. In one or more arrangements, the anchor element 14 can be adapted, designed, and/or configured to be engaged between a body supporting element and a base element. The term “body supporting element” is any element for supporting at least a portion of the body of a human being or animal, living or dead. In this context, the term “base element” means another element upon which the body supporting element is supported. In one or more implementations, the body supporting element can be a mattress (e.g. a foam mattress, an air mattress, a water mattress, bed of nails, etc.) or a pad. In one or more arrangements, the base element can be a box spring, a bed frame, the floor or the ground.

The engagement of the anchor element 14 between the body supporting element and the base element can have any suitable form. For instance, in one or more arrangements, at least a portion of the anchor element 14 can be sandwiched between the body supporting element and the base element. In one or more implementations, at least a portion of the anchor element 14 can be generally L-shaped, as is shown in FIGS. 1-2. In such arrangements, the anchor element 14 can include a lower transverse leg 30. The lower transverse leg 30 can have any suitable configuration. In one or more arrangements, the lower transverse leg 30 can be substantially planar. The lower transverse leg 30 can be sandwiched between the body supporting element and the base element. However, alternative or additional forms of engagement are possible.

In one or more arrangements, the anchor element 14 can be adapted, designed and/or configured to engage the body supporting element, the base element, and/or any other suitable structure. For instance, the anchor element 14 can be adapted, designed and/or configured to engage a mattress, a box spring, a head board, a foot board, a bed frame and/or the floor. For instance, the anchor element 14 can include one or more clamps, clips, connectors, hooks and/or straps, just to name a few possibilities.

In one or more arrangements, the anchor element 14 can include a plurality of portions. FIG. 2 shows an example in which the anchor element 14 includes a first portion 14 a and a second portion 14 b. More particularly, the first portion 14 a can be attached to the bridging element 16. Thus, when the first portion 14 a is separated from the second portion 14 b, the second portion 14 b of the anchor element 14 can remain engaged with the body supporting element, the base element and/or another structure. The rest of the connecting post device 10 including the first portion 14 a can be removed and stored in any suitable manner. However, other arrangements are possible. For instance, the connecting post device 10 can be configured so that the anchor element 14 can be separated from the bridging element 16.

It should be noted that one or more portions of the connecting post device 10 can have any suitable surface treatment. In at least some instances, such surface treatment can facilitate use of the connecting post device 10. As an example, at least a portion of the connecting post device 10 (e.g. at least a portion of the one or more post elements 12, at least a portion of the anchor element and/or at least a portion of the bridging element 16) can be knurled. In some instances, at least a portion of the connecting post device 10 (e.g. at least a portion of the one or more post elements 12, at least a portion of the anchor element and/or at least a portion of the bridging element 16) can be smooth.

It should be noted that at least a portion of the connecting post device 10 can be configured to glow in the dark or to otherwise light-up. Such capability can be provided in any suitable manner. For instance, the connecting post device 10 can be made of a glow in the dark material. Alternatively, the connecting post 12 can include an internal or external light source (not shown). In such case, the activation of the light source can be controlled by a user by a suitable user interface element (e.g. a button, switch, etc.).

In one or more arrangements, one or more of the connecting posts 12 can be formed with the bridging element 16 as a unitary structure. Alternatively or in addition, one or more of the connecting posts 12 can be formed separately from the bridging element 16 and subsequently attached thereto in any suitable manner. The attaching may be permanent in nature, or the attaching may permit selective attachment and detachment of one or more of the connecting posts 12 from the bridging element 16.

FIG. 3 shows one example of a system using one or more of the devices described herein. The system 50 can include one or more connecting post devices 10, a body supporting element 52, one or more base elements 54, and one or more connecting elements 56. Each of these items will be discussed in turn below.

The connecting post device 10 can be any of the connecting post devices described above. The connecting element 56 can be any suitable device, structure or element that can connect to the connecting post device 10. As an example, the connecting element can be a restraint, including, for example, cuffs, ropes, tape, or other restraining elements used in sexual bondage activities. As another example, the connecting element can be a portion of a canopy for the bed. Still further, the connecting element can be a portion of a dog leash. As yet another example, the connecting element can be a portion of mosquito netting. Additionally, the connecting element can be a portion of a blanket, quilt, sheet, throw, tablecloth or other item that be used to build a fort.

In some instances, the connecting post device 10 can include a transverse element 25 (see FIG. 3). The transverse element 10 can connect between two or more post elements 12. The transverse element 10 can extend at any suitable angle relative to the two or more post elements 12. In one or more arrangements, the transverse element 10 can be angled at about 90 degrees relative to the two or more post elements 12. In one or more other arrangements, the transverse element 10 can be angled at more than or less than 90 degrees relative to the two or more post elements 12.

The transverse element 25 can be formed with at least one of the post elements 12 as a unitary structure. In one or more arrangements, the transverse element 25 can be formed separately from the post elements 12 and subsequently attached thereto in any suitable manner, such as by one or more forms of welding, one or more forms brazing, one or more fasteners, one or more adhesives, and/or one or more forms of mechanical engagement, just to name a few possibilities. The attachment between the transverse element 25 and the post elements 12 may be permanent in nature. Alternatively, the connecting post device 10 can be configured to allow for the selective attachment and detachment of the transverse element 25 to the post elements 12.

The transverse element 25 can help to maintain the connecting element 56 at a minimum height along the post elements 12. In some arrangements, the connecting post device 10 can be configured to allow the transverse element 25 to be positioned at any suitable location.

The body supporting element 52 can be a mattress or a pad. Alternatively or in addition, the body supporting element 52 can be a couch, recliner or bassinette, just to name a few possibilities.

The one or more base elements 54 can be any suitable structure for supporting the body supporting element 52. For instance, the one or more base elements 54 can be a box spring, a bed frame, the floor or the ground.

As is shown in FIG. 3, the anchor element 14 of the connecting post device 10 can be sandwiched between the body supporting element 52 and the base element 54. More particularly, the anchor element 14 can be received between an underside 60 of a mattress 62 and a surface 64 of the base element 54 upon which the mattress 62 is supported (e.g. floor 66). It will be understood that the arrangement in FIG. 3 is provided merely as an example. Indeed, other manners of engagement between the anchor element 14 and the body supporting element and/or the base element 54 can be provided.

It should be noted that the length Lp of at least one of the one or more post elements 12 can be sized relative to the body supporting element 52. For instance, the length Lp of at least one of the one or more post elements 12 can be sized so that the respective distal end 18 or retainer element 20 is substantially flush with a top surface 58 of the body supporting element 52. Alternatively, the length Lp of at least one of the one or more post elements 12 can be sized so that the respective distal end 18 or retainer element 20 extends a distance above the top surface 58 of the body supporting element 52.

Now that the various aspects of the connecting post device and associated system have been described, various methods of using the connecting post device will now be presented. Various possible methods of use will be described. The methods of use described may be applicable to the embodiments described in relation to FIGS. 1-3, but it is understood that the method can be carried out with other suitable systems and arrangements. Moreover, the method may include other steps that are not described, and in fact, the methods are not limited to including every step described herein. Moreover, the described steps are not limited to the particular chronological order described. Indeed, some of the steps may be performed in a different order than what is described and/or at least some of the steps described can occur simultaneously.

FIG. 4 is an example of method 100 of using a connecting post device. At block 105, one or more of the connecting post devices 10 can be brought into engagement with a body supporting element 52, a base element 54 and/or other element. For purposes of this description, the body support element 52 can be a mattress. Any suitable form of engagement can be provided, including any of those described above. It will be appreciated that the one or more connecting post devices 10 can be provided in any suitable location(s) about the mattress. In some instances, the mattress may already have bedposts associated with it. In other instances, the mattress may not have bedposts associated with it.

At block 110, one or more post elements 12 of the one or more connecting posts devices 10 can be adjusted if desired. The adjusting can be any suitable form of adjustment, including in one or more directions. For instance, the location of a post element of the one or more connecting post devices can be adjusted by adjusting the length Lp of one or more of the post elements 12. Alternatively, or in addition, the length Lb of the bridging element 14 can be adjusted.

At block 115, a connecting element 56 can be attached to the post element 12 of the connecting post device 10. In one or more arrangements, the connecting element 56 can be a restraint used in sexual bondage activities, such as handcuffs. The connecting element 56 can be attached to the post element 12 of the connecting post device 10. In one or more arrangements, the connecting element 56 can be a portion of a canopy, leash, mosquito netting or other object can be attached to the post element. One or more retainer elements 20 can be used to prevent or impede the connecting element 56 from sliding upwardly off of the distal end 18 of the post element 12.

The one or more connecting post devices 10 can be stored in any suitable manner. In one or more arrangements, the one or more connecting post devices 10 can be stored in their installed position in engagement with the body supporting element 52. In other arrangements, the one or more connecting post devices 10 can be separated from the anchor element 14 or a portion thereof (e.g. second portion 14 b) such that the anchor element 14 or portion thereof remains in engagement with the body supporting element 52 and/or the base element 54. The rest of the connecting post device 10 can be stored, hidden from view, in any suitable manner. In one or more arrangements, the one or more connecting post devices 10 can be disengaged from the body supporting element 52 and stored thereunder or in any other suitable location. In one or more arrangements, the connecting post device 10 or portion thereof can be stored in a case, bag or container, which can be configured to receive the connecting post device 10 or portion thereof.

The connecting post device described and shown herein can be provided as a kit. In one implementation, the kit can include one or more of the connecting post devices 10. In one or more implementations, the kit can include four of the connecting post devices 10. In one or more implementations, the kit can include three of the connecting post devices 10. In one or more implementations, the kit can include two of the connecting post devices 10.

In one or more arrangements, the kit can include a plurality of different retainer elements 20 to allow a user to select a desired retainer element 20 for use in connection with the connecting post device 10. In one or more arrangements, the kit may also include one or more connecting elements 56 for use in connection with the connecting post device 10. For instance, the kit can include handcuffs, rope, straps, belts, or other restraining element, just to name a few possibilities. Further, the kit can include one or more sexual toys or accessories, including whips, belts, floggers and/or clamps for engaging a portion of a user's body, just to name a few possibilities. Alternatively or in addition, the kit can include one or more lubricants, one or more costumes, one or more costume accessories, one or more gags, one or more candles, and/or a movie in any suitable form (e.g. DVD). In one or more arrangements, the movie can be a movie having sexual content. Still further, the kit can include an instruction manual. In one or more arrangements, the kit can include a canopy for use with the connecting post device 10.

It will be appreciated that arrangements described herein can provide numerous benefits. For instance, the device can be used to provide connecting posts in desired and/or more convenient locations around a bed or other body supporting element. In the context of sexual bondage activities, the use of the connecting post devices can provide users with convenient points to which attach a restraint or other item can be attached. Such locations may be less awkward or uncomfortable to a particular user compared to using the existing bedpost hardware. Further, in instances in which the bed is a mattress on the floor or if there are no bedposts, this can expand the range of possibilities bondage activities available to the users.

Further, it will be appreciated that, due to its relatively small size, the connecting post device can be used inconspicuously. Thus, individuals who see a bed with the connecting post device may not be able to readily see the connecting posts. As a result, user privacy can be maintained, particularly when the connecting post device is used for bondage type sexual activity.

The terms “a” and “an,” as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. The term “plurality,” as used herein, is defined as two or more than two. The term “another,” as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms “including” and/or “having,” as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language).

Aspects described herein can be embodied in other forms and combinations without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof. Thus, it will of course be understood that embodiments are not limited to the specific details described herein, which are given by way of example only, and that various modifications and alterations are possible. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A connecting post system comprising: a connecting post device including: a post element; an anchor element; and a bridging element operatively connected to the post element and to the anchor element, the anchor element branching from an opposite side of the bridging element than the post element; a body supporting element; and a base element, the base element including a surface upon which the body supporting element is at least partially supported, the anchor element engaging at least one of the body supporting element and the base element. 